Royals Breakout Star Primed for Another Dominant Season

Maikel Garcia is set to build on his impressive 2025 campaign with the Kansas City Royals.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals have a talented young roster led by superstar Bobby Witt Jr. and a dominant pitching staff. While Witt has garnered much of the attention, third baseman Maikel Garcia is primed for another big season after a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him earn an All-Star selection, a Gold Glove, and a 14th-place finish in AL MVP voting.

Why it matters

Garcia's emergence as an elite two-way player at the hot corner has helped solidify the Royals as a rising force in the American League. His continued development could be a key factor in the team's push to return to the postseason in 2026.

The details

In 2025, the 25-year-old Garcia set new career-highs in numerous offensive categories, including OPS, doubles, and home runs. He also played exceptional defense, winning a Gold Glove. Garcia's combination of power, speed, and elite glove work make him one of the more well-rounded third basemen in the game.

  • Garcia signed a long-term deal with the Royals in December 2025 after his breakout season.
  • The Royals are looking to take a big step forward in 2026 and return to the playoffs.

The players

Bobby Witt Jr.

The Royals' superstar shortstop and one of the best young players in baseball.

Maikel Garcia

The Royals' 25-year-old third baseman who had a breakout 2025 season, earning an All-Star selection, a Gold Glove, and a top-15 finish in AL MVP voting.

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What they’re saying

“Maikel Garcia had one heck of a breakout in 2025, setting new career-highs in basically every single category you can think of outside of stolen bases.”

— Eric Treuden, Just Baseball writer (Just Baseball)

“Garcia is a threat to leave the yard anywhere between 15 and 20 times a year, steal 20-30 bases a year, and play some of the best defensive third base we'll see around the league. This is a player who has the potential to shoot up these rankings come this time next year, but it'll be immensely helpful for him to repeat his 2025 performance in '26, that way we'll have more than just one year of sample size to go off of.”

— Eric Treuden, Just Baseball writer (Just Baseball)

What’s next

The Royals will be looking for Garcia to build on his breakout 2025 season and continue to develop into one of the top third basemen in the league. If he can repeat or improve upon his performance, it will be a key factor in the team's push to return to the playoffs in 2026.

The takeaway

Maikel Garcia's emergence as an elite two-way player at third base has helped solidify the Royals as a rising force in the American League. His continued development could be a crucial factor in the team's quest to return to the postseason in 2026.